Da Qian Immortal Dynasty - Imperial Palace Square.
Three hundred thousand people stood solemnly, a dense mass, silent as a tide, covering the entire ground paved with star-core heavy gold. Their auras varied, converging into an invisible sea, utterly silent.
A figure silently hovered above the Imperial Palace Square, dressed in a plain robe, tall and straight.
The moment Li Mu appeared, three hundred thousand gazes below instantly focused on him, filled with astonishment. They subtly sensed the extraordinary aura of this being.
Li Mu's gaze fell, calm and unruffled. He slightly closed his eyes, and deep within his Sea of Consciousness, the Chaos Treasure Mansion opened!
At the center of the Treasure Mansion, the Chaos Sea surged. In the middle of the sea, the majestic Chaotic Dao Tree rooted itself after the Chaos, its trunk gnarled, its branches and leaves flowing with the Dao rhythm of "Nothingness" and "Beginning."
Li Mu's mind sank into the Dao Tree, communicating with its Origin. The dormant Chaotic Dao Tree's branches and leaves trembled slightly, emitting a low hum. Above its canopy, two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven Dao Fruits, imperceptible to the naked eye, their radiance contained, detached from their branches!
These Dao Fruits varied in form and aura. Some had a subtle sharpness, seeming to contain Sword Intent; some were as heavy as mountains, bearing earth veins; some were vibrant with life, containing the essence of plants and trees; some were ethereal and elusive, like wind and illusion... The Three Thousand Great Dao, their embryonic forms hidden within! They detached from the Dao Tree, like stardust falling into the Chaos Sea, disappearing into the depths of the Treasure Mansion.
In an instant in reality, two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven imperceptible streaks of light materialized in the sky above the Imperial Palace Square! The streaks of light differed in color and aura—some golden, some azure, some dark, some fiery white... They ignored space, as if drawn by an invisible force, transforming into streaks of lightning that accurately plunged into the Dantian and Sea of Consciousness of two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven random individuals in the crowd below!
Puff! Puff! Puff!
The streaks of light entered their bodies silently, yet they rooted themselves with a boom deep within their Dantian and Sea of Consciousness! The two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven chosen individuals trembled violently! A strange Dao rhythm, whether sharp, heavy, ethereal, or fiery, erupted and stabilized within their bodies. A unique imprint seemed to be branded deep within their Souls.
Astonishment, ecstasy, and bewilderment surged onto their faces. They instinctively looked inward, only to find that their Dantian and Sea of Consciousness had gained a "seed" with a distinct attribute, subtly resonating with themselves.
The others only felt a vast and complex ancient aura sweep across the Imperial Palace Square, then vanish. They looked around blankly, not understanding what had happened.
Li Mu hovered high in the sky, his eyes open. He clearly perceived that the two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven Dao Seeds, each with a different attribute, had rooted themselves, connected to the Origin of the Chaotic Dao Tree, like three thousand invisible roots.
Li Mu's gaze swept over the crowd below, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Those who have received a Dao Seed, stay. The rest, withdraw."
The Imperial Palace Square instantly fell silent, then erupted in an uproar. The nearly three hundred thousand unchosen individuals had faces etched with disappointment, unwillingness, envy, and confusion, like a surging tide.
No one dared to disobey. The crowd began to retreat from the Imperial Palace Square like an ebbing tide, silently and swiftly. The heavy footsteps converged into a low, muffled rumble.
A moment later, the clamor receded.
On the empty Imperial Palace Square, only two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven figures remained isolated. They looked at each other, their faces still bearing traces of shock and bewilderment. The newly formed Dao Seed, with its distinct attributes, in their Dantian and Sea of Consciousness, was emitting faint but undeniably real Dao rhythm fluctuations, reminding them of the turning point in their destiny.
Li Mu stood suspended high in the air, his plain robe fluttering. The two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven individuals below, each with a different aura, now all looked up, their gazes burning, fixed on the figure in the sky. In their Dantian and Sea of Consciousness, the newly formed "seed" pulsed faintly, drawing their full attention.
Li Mu spoke again, his words, however, seemed to chisel into everyone's Sea of Consciousness: "What you have received is a Dao Seed."
Li Mu's gaze fell, sweeping over each young face: "This is not a bestowal, nor is it a parasitic relationship, but an aid to the Dao."
A chill ran through everyone's hearts. The Dao Seed in their Sea of Consciousness seemed to respond to these words, emitting a faint, indescribable tremor, like a living thing.
"The Dao Seed roots itself in your body, drawing your Dao Foundation, your insights, and your Dao Heart as nourishment." Li Mu's voice was calm and unruffled, stating a cold fact: "If the nourishment is sufficient, the Dao Seed will sprout, aiding you in breaking through barriers and comprehending the Great Dao. If the nourishment withers, the Dao Seed will also wither, and your body will become barren land."
Silence, broken only by the sound of heavy breathing rising and falling. The previous ecstasy and bewilderment were instantly covered by a heavy chill. This was not a gift from heaven; it was a shackle, and even more, a gamble.
"When the Dao Seed sprouts, it will also provide feedback." Li Mu's tone shifted slightly: "The true essence of the Great Dao it contains will subtly permeate your body. Comprehend its true essence, understand its Context, and your Dao path will naturally open up."
Li Mu paused, looking at the tense crowd below.
"This path is called 'Seed Cultivation.'"
"The day the Dao Seed matures is the day you achieve Dao."
As his words fell, the Imperial Palace Square grew even quieter, as if the wind had solidified. Everyone was frantically looking inward at their Sea of Consciousness, sensing that small "seed."
Aid to the Dao, feedback, achieving Dao? Immense pressure and equally immense temptation weighed heavily on everyone's Divine Souls.
The Imperial Palace Square was deathly silent, so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping. The two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven individuals held their breath, their gazes fixed on Li Mu, their Sea of Consciousness Dao Seeds pulsing with their heartbeats.
Li Mu's figure descended slightly, hovering three zhang above their heads. His plain robe fluttered without wind, his aura as profound as an abyss.
"The Dao Seed has been sown. Today, I will impart to you the foundation for cultivating the seed." Li Mu's voice was like a grand bell, directly striking everyone's Divine Souls.
He raised his hand, his fingertips devoid of light or brilliance, yet he made an illusory stroke in the air.
Buzz!
An indescribable "Intent" emerged from nothingness. It was neither Gold nor Wood, neither Fire nor Water, yet it carried the most fundamental sense of "sharpness" and "penetration," instantly pervading the entire Imperial Palace Square.
"This is the embryonic form of the Gold Element True Intent." Li Mu spoke, every word crystal clear: "It does not refer to ordinary iron and stone, but to all solid, Kill, convergent, and sharp properties in heaven and earth. In your Sea of Consciousness, if there is a subtle sharpness, a restless agitation, perceive this Intent carefully. The Dao Seed is like an embryo; it needs to be tempered by this True Intent, to hone its sharpness and forge its essence. If you do not follow the method, the sharpness will backfire, and your Dao Foundation will collapse."
As his words fell, dozens of people in the crowd trembled violently, their faces turning pale, a subtle stinging pain in their Dantian. In their Sea of Consciousness, the Dao Seed containing the "Gold" Intent pulsed frantically, as if wanting to burst out of their bodies, yet it was also drawn, suppressed, and regulated by the invisible "Intent" in the air.
Li Mu's fingertips moved again, his movements as gentle as stirring water. A completely different "Intent" spread out, warm and nourishing, yet subtly containing an all-pervading penetrative force, carrying the vitality of flourishing plants and trees and flowing water. The air seemed to become slightly humid.
"This is the embryonic form of the Water Element True Intent." Li Mu's gaze swept over the crowd: "It does not refer to rivers, lakes, and seas, but to all flowing, nourishing, penetrating, and changing properties in heaven and earth. If your Dao Seed appears ethereal and contains inner vitality, draw upon this True Intent, like water moistening a withered tree. However, water has no fixed form; if it is too soft, it will decay. You must shape its form and solidify its momentum with your mind. Otherwise, the True Intent will dissipate, and the Dao Seed will become unstable."
Another group of people trembled slightly, their faces showing comfort mixed with a hint of bewilderment. Their Sea of Consciousness Dao Seeds greedily absorbed the "Water" Intent pervading the air, their own aura becoming softer but slightly loose.
Li Mu did not stop. He pressed his finger downwards. A condensed, heavy "Intent" that bore all things descended with a roar! Like the awakening of the earth, the crushing of mountains.
The star-core heavy gold ground of the Imperial Palace Square seemed to sink by an imperceptible fraction.
"This is the embryonic form of the Earth Element True Intent." Li Mu's voice also carried a sense of gravity: "It does not refer to mud, sand, and dust, but to all bearing, stabilizing, nurturing, and containing properties in heaven and earth. If your Dao Seed appears as heavy as a mountain, draw upon this True Intent, like roots delving into the earth. But if the earth is too thick, it is prone to stagnation. You must use 'Gold' to break its stubbornness, 'Water' to moisten its dryness, and 'Wood' to clear its blockages, only then can it bear great virtue and be ever-renewing."
More people swayed, almost unable to stand steadily. A heavy, solid sensation came from their Dantian. Their Sea of Consciousness Dao Seeds frantically absorbed this "Earth" Intent, becoming increasingly stable, yet also subtly showing signs of sluggishness and rigidity.
Li Mu withdrew his hand. The three embryonic True Intents pervading the air instantly dissipated, as if they had never appeared. But in the Sea of Consciousness of all the Disciples, the subtle comprehension of the sharpness of Gold, the moistening of Water, and the heaviness of Earth was already imprinted like a brand.
"The Three Thousand Great Dao have different root natures." Li Mu's gaze was like cold lightning, sweeping over every face, some pained, some comfortable, some contemplative, "Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Light, Darkness, Time, Space... and even Slaughter, Karma, Creation, Nirvana, all have their Origin, their nature, and their laws."
"Your Dao Seed is a seed of one of these three thousand sources. The path of Seed Cultivation first lies in 'Understanding Nature'—understanding the fundamental nature of your Dao Seed, and understanding the nature of the True Intent it requires."
Li Mu's voice suddenly sharpened: "Drawing True Intent is not seeking it externally! True Intent is omnipresent, existing in the rhythm of heaven and earth, in every breath, in the flow of your thoughts. You must use your Dao Seed as a guide, and your body as a furnace, observe heaven and earth, examine yourselves, and capture the fitting True Intent in the subtle places, guiding it into your body to temper your Dao Seed. Forcibly drawing an unfitting True Intent is like cooking with raging fire; the Dao Seed will surely be incinerated!"
A chill ran through everyone's hearts. The discomfort from forcibly sensing the True Intent earlier was still present, and cold sweat trickled down their bodies.
"The Dao Seed takes root, absorbing your Dao Foundation, insights, and mind as nourishment." Li Mu's tone returned to normal, yet every word weighed a thousand jin, "Your daily cultivation, comprehension of heaven and earth, and tempering of your Dao Heart are all 'fertilization.' If the nourishment is sufficient, the Dao Seed will sprout, providing feedback with the true essence of the Great Dao, helping you break through Realms and achieve enlightenment. If the nourishment is exhausted, or your mind collapses, the Dao Seed will wither, and your body will become barren land, with no further path to the Dao."
Li Mu paused, looking at the more than two thousand faces below, some resolute, some struggling, some bewildered, and sighed helplessly.
"Buzz—!"
An indescribable fluctuation, centered on Li Mu, silently spread out.
The space of the entire Imperial Palace Square suddenly twisted and blurred. The sky dimmed, and the surrounding scenery faded and stretched, eventually replaced by an endless, swirling, gray Chaos.
Chaotic Dao Domain!
The two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven individuals were instantly enveloped within it, as if they were in the primordial Grandmist before heaven and earth separated. All external perception was cut off. Only the Dao Seed in their Sea of Consciousness pulsed with an unprecedented, hungry intensity at this moment!
Li Mu hovered at the center of the Chaos, his figure blurred, as if merged with the Dao Domain. His hands formed seals, changing unpredictably.
Within the Dao Domain, the scene changed dramatically!
Chaos evolved the Dao,
Gold Element: Within the grayness, countless tiny golden light points suddenly condensed, transforming into billions of invisible sharp blades! They were not physical entities, but the pure "sharpness," "Kill," and "condensation" of Intent! Golden light intertwined and pierced, emitting a silent shriek, tearing through the chaotic Qi flow.
Dozens of Disciples with Gold Element Dao Seeds instantly felt as if struck by lightning. Their Sea of Consciousness suffered severe pain, yet their Dao Seeds trembled frantically, greedily "devouring" this sharp ocean. A sharp aura involuntarily overflowed from their bodies, golden patterns subtly appeared on their skin, and their aura climbed steadily, as if they themselves were about to transform into unsheathed sharp swords!
Wood Element: Within the chaotic Qi flow, specks of emerald green light stubbornly grew. It was not plants and trees, but the will of "growth," "vitality," "resilience," and "entanglement"! Green light spread, like vines and tendrils, rooting and extending in the Chaos, drawing chaotic energy, stubbornly carving out areas filled with vitality.
Disciples with Wood Element Dao Seeds felt a surge of majestic vitality pour into their limbs and bones. Their Sea of Consciousness Dao Seeds were like seeds breaking through the soil, sending out illusory tender shoots. Old injuries and hidden ailments within their bodies rapidly healed, and a faint fragrance of plants and trees emanated from their bodies.
... ...
This was just the beginning!
Wind: Invisible turbulent currents swirled in the Chaos, cutting, traversing, unrestrained!
Thunder: Dazzling electric light tore through the grayness, carrying the violent majesty of judgment and creation!
Light: A pure, penetrating, purifying will dispelled the Chaos!
Darkness: A deep, devouring, silencing Domain quietly expanded!
Time and Space: Chaos twisted, light and shadow distorted, fragments of past and future flashed by.
Slaughter: A pure and extreme destructive intent descended, chilling everyone to the bone!
Karma: Invisible threads subtly appeared in the Chaos, connecting vague Origins and endings.
Creation: A spark of spiritual light bloomed in the void, nurturing incredible forms.
Nirvana: All things returned to the void, the coldness and stillness of the end quietly pervaded.
Years:
... ...
The embryonic forms of the Three Thousand Great Dao True Intents rotated, evolved, intertwined, and collided within the Chaotic Dao Domain! Some were clear, some blurry, some vast, some subtle, displaying the most fundamental Dao principles and rhythms nakedly before these two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven individuals!
The Dao Seeds took root and sprouted!
Above the Imperial Palace Square, the deathly silence had long been broken.
"Om..." A female cultivator with a Wood Element Dao Seed closed her eyes and sat cross-legged. Beneath her, illusory plant roots even sank into the ground, her aura rising steadily like bamboo shoots after rain!
"Hiss!" A Fire Element Dao Seed holder's body glowed with an inch of red light, hot waves rolled, and his eyes were as bright as fire!
... ...
Breakthrough fluctuations rose and fell! Some people's aura surged, breaking through major Realms one after another; some people's Dao Seeds shone brightly, sending out tender shoots in their Sea of Consciousness, their forms beginning to take shape; some sat in meditation, entering a deep state of Dao comprehension, their bodies constantly circulating Dao rhythm.
The Chaotic Dao Domain became the best furnace, and the True Intents of the Three Thousand Great Dao were the purest nourishment. The True Intents that matched their own Dao Seeds were frantically absorbed and refined, transforming into the immense power for the Dao Seeds to take root, sprout, break through Realms, and advance!
Li Mu's figure became increasingly blurred at the center of the Chaos, like the Dao itself, quietly watching the scene below:
The two thousand nine hundred ninety-seven Dao Seeds, nourished by the Dao Domain, were taking root, sprouting, and growing at an unprecedented speed! Countless invisible "roots" penetrated the Dao Domain, connecting to the Dao Tree deep within the Chaos Treasure Mansion.
Within the Chaotic Dao Domain, Chaos surged, Dao principles flickered, and more than two thousand figures either roared in Breakthrough, sat silently in Dao comprehension, or experienced True Intent. Deep within their Sea of Consciousness, the Dao Seed that determined their fate was greedily sucking in this unparalleled Opportunity, pulsing with increasing strength and vigor. (End of Chapter)
